Advancing the circular economy in a decisive decade

In 2026, the central question is clear: how do we move from pilots, strategies and commitments to large scale, bankable implementation, particularly but not only in the Global South? Industries face rising resource costs, regulatory pressure and climate risks, while policymakers must balance competitiveness, inclusion and environmental integrity.

Instruments such as extended producer responsibility, digital product passports, green industrial policies and sustainable finance frameworks are reshaping markets globally, with a growing focus on circular value chains that connect policy, production, consumption, and end of life solutions.

adelphi research and adelphi global work at the interface of policy, private sector development and finance to enable this shift. We support governments in designing robust circular economy policies and EPR systems. We work with industry and intermediaries to improve resource efficiency, pilot circular innovations and unlock access to green finance. 

These efforts are closely linked to marine litter prevention, ensuring upstream circular solutions translate into measurable pollution reduction at source. Our work spans South and Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the MENA region—grounded in local realities, centred on just transitions, and focused on scaling what works.